Global Times in its article ‘India should focus on preserving good economic ties with China, rather than on the S.China Sea’ (url attached), published on 08 August 16 (also replicated in The Times of India, and other newspapers), has tried to put economic bait to India, at the cost of not voicing her concerns in South China Sea, prior to visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to India.

Interestingly after the visit within six days, the same paper does a U turn from its coercive phrases like India “might risk unnecessary side effects to Sino- Indian ties” and starts advising Indian media to view Delhi – Beijing ties constructively on 14 August 16, once they confront a firmly positioned India, ready to cooperate with China for issues of mutual benefits, without giving up its strategic interests. It clearly vindicates the position predicted in my earlier blog prior to the visit given below.

Global Times in its article ‘India should focus on preserving good economic ties with China, rather than on the S.China Sea’ (url attached), published on 08 August 16 (also replicated in The Times of India, and other newspapers), has tried to put economic bait to India, at the cost of not voicing her concerns in South China Sea, prior to visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to India. This is a peculiar example of so called “Purse Diplomacy”, which has worked for China, to woo smaller neighbours and some other countries.

The author must realise that between two large nations, such propagation may not be very appreciative. Let me pen down some facts to say so.

1. It will be wrong to expect that either China or India can woo/ coerce each other to compromise on their own perception of their own National Interests by such suggestive remarks.

2. India’s GDP prior to 1979 was higher than China. Some global papers have already predicted India to have better growth rate. China is not the only factor for economic development of India, but boosting of economic cooperation between both, will benefit both, hence would be a welcomed step.

3. Using phrases like “might risk unnecessary side effects to Sino- Indian ties” in context of South China Sea, by the author may not be a good idea, because India is already facing and successfully absorbing enough of Chinese side effects like NSG obstruction, their supporting JeM Chief, to name a few.

4. India is quite capable of protecting her own strategic choices, and will continue to decide and state her position on South China Sea as per her own National Interest.

5. Both countries are responsible enough to steer their relationship for mutual benefits, despite issues of divergences, and there are enough grounds for convergence on issues of common interests.